UAE's Faisal Al Ketbi targets jiu-jitsu glory at Asian Games in Hangzhou

The UAE's jiu-jitsu fighters will be out in full strength as they aim for success across eight weight divisions of both the men's and women's categories at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

The Emirati jiu-jitsu squad accounted for the highest number of medals – two golds, five silvers and two bronze – from an overall tally of three golds, six silvers and five bronzes at the 2018 Games in Jakarta.

They topped the medals table in the Asian Championship in Bangkok in March, the Jiu-Jitsu International Union (JJIU) World Championship in Ulan Bator in July and the Youth World Championship in Astana in August. Needless to say, the UAE contingent is raring to go.

“We are going in full of confidence and looking forward to make history,” Faisal Al Ketbi, national team captain and the most decorated UAE jiu-jitsu fighter, told The National.

“Our past results in the lead-up to the Games reflect the hard work and the dedication we put into ourselves and into our job and our passion to represent the UAE in the best possible way.

“The last time, when jiu-jitsu was first included at the Games, we won two golds, five silvers and two bronze with a smaller team. This time there are eight gold medals on offer and our goal is to win a medal or two in every weight division, both in men and women.”

Jiu Jitsu

Al Ketbi, 35, is aiming for a second Asian Games gold medal. He is the only remaining member of the UAE jiu-jitsu team from the 2018 Games.

“We did very well at the last Games, and this time we are better equipped both technically and physically, and [armed] with the experience we have had in the lead-up to Hangzhou,” he said.

“The majority of the athletes in this squad graduated from the youth division and they are certain to make a big